CA 80
Role Dirigible
National origin United States
Manufacturer Conrad Airships
Produced 1975–1977[1]

The CA 80 is a dirigible that was developed by the Conrad Airship Company founder Clarence “Clare” Conrad.[2]

Design and development

The CA 80 is an aluminum truss rigid airship formed in the classic "Flying saucer" shape. It features a single rudder and a central shaft running vertically through its center. Helium is contained with internal mylar bags. It was intended to seat up to eight passengers. Three engines are fitted, one for vertical thrust, one for forward and one for directional control. The first prototype was destroyed in a windstorm.[3][4][5]

Specifications (CA 80)

Data from Air Progress

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 6
  • Length: 80 ft (24 m)
  • Width: 80 ft (24 m)
  • Height: 27 ft (8.2 m)
  • Volume: 70,000 cu ft (2,000 m3)
  • Gross weight: 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Mercury Outboard Outboard, 150 hp (110 kW)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Evenrude Outboard Outboard, 130 hp (97 kW) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 65 kn (75 mph, 121 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 35 kn (40 mph, 64 km/h)

References

  1. Lobner, Peter (8 March 2022). "Conrad Airship Company – CA220 & CA80" (PDF). lynceans.org. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  2. Lobner, Peter (8 March 2022). "Conrad Airship Company – CA220 & CA80" (PDF). lynceans.org. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  3. Air Progress: 13. November 1978. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. Popular Mechanics: 132. July 1977. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. Air PRogress. June 1975. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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